Method and device for determining the apical position in a dental root canal

ABSTRACT

An apex-locating method and device for determining the depth position of the apex in a dental root canal. It uses a device making it possible to form a circuit including a first probe electrode inserted into the root canal of a tooth, a second electrode in conductive contact with an oral mucous membrane, frequency-generating elements able to produce alternating electrical signals at a number of frequencies, and elements for measuring electrical magnitude of alternating signals in the circuit. Provision is made for exciting the circuit and measuring the levels of magnitude of the alternating signals, respectively at low frequency and at high frequency and for detecting a point of intersection where the two levels measured at low and high frequencies meet and become substantially equal, these frequencies being sufficiently far apart for this point of intersection to exist. This point gives the position of the apex.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the area of apex-locating methods anddevices which are used in endodontics to locate, in a root canal of atooth, the position of the apex in terms of depth, i.e. the position ofthe summit of this root (i.e. apical terminus) and, more precisely, theend of the orifice of the apical foramen at the bottom of the rootcanal.

2. Description of the Related Art

During dental surgery procedures, in particular during a procedure toclean and shape the root canal, the apex locators serve to avoidcrossing the apical foramen, i.e. passing the apical terminus and tokeep the subjacent maxillary ligament with its nerve bundles from beingreached.

FIG. 1 shows the anatomical structure of a tooth in a schematic viewalong a plane of cut along the axis of the canal of a root of the tooth.Certain teeth, such as the molars and premolars, can have a number ofroots RT or at least several root canals CR which may be separate orjoined.

The end of the root RT is pierced by an orifice FA known as the apicalforamen for passage of nerve bundles and vessels. Sometimes, as shown inFIG. 1, this orifice FA at the end of the root canal CR narrows to forma bottleneck at the apical constriction CA (narrow neck permittingpassage of the group of vessels and nerves which irrigate the pulp). Inother cases (not shown) the root canal has a large cross-section with nonarrowing.

At this apical constriction CA, there is located the cement-dentinejoining interface CT/IV, an interface between mineral substances(cement/dentine) which have contrasting electrical properties.

During endodontic surgical procedures, such as procedures for cleaningand shaping the dental canal CR, dentists seek to remove all materials,debris and organic fluids which fill the root canal CR right to thebottom, i.e. as far as the end of the apical foramen FA, in order toavoid a dental abscess recurring in the root canal CR.

However, the dentist's objective is principally, as far as possible, notto pass the apical terminus APX, on the one hand, so as not to cause thepatient any pain and, on the other hand, so as not to hollow out acavity below the root, beyond the apex, which could give rise to thedevelopment of an abscess.

It is thus of the greatest importance for the dentist to locate theforamen FA and apical terminus APX very precisely.

As indicated in FIG. 1, radiographic images of the teeth taken along thehorizontal plane XRA of the jaw generally give an incorrect radiographicposition for the apex which does not correspond to the true position ofthe directing plane of the anatomical apex AA.

Electronic apex-locating devices have been developed for the past fiftyyears to locate the end of the root canal in a precise manner, beingbased on the changes in electrical properties in this transition zone.

The first generations of apex locators, developed by Sunada on the basisof the work of Pr. Suzuki, operate on a principle of resistancemeasurement in the root canal, being based on the observation that whenthe apical zone is crossed, the resistance value drops suddenly andcrosses a resistance threshold of about R=6.5 kΩ, a value which issubstantially constant from one individual to another.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the resistance is measured between a firstelectrode ES formed by an endodontic file or probe inserted into theroot canal CR and a second electrode EM shaped to be brought into closeelectrically conductive contact with an oral mucous membrane (lip, gum .. . ).

FIG. 2B indicates that the resistance R first drops slightly as theendodontic file ES is pressed in to a depth DP within the root canal CRon the axis of the tooth, then R drops sharply when the apical zone iscrossed, before returning to a base value once the apical terminus hasbeen passed.

Sunada established that the apex is located in the zone where theresistance crosses the threshold value R=6.5 kΩ, a value which issubstantially constant from one individual to another.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,096,419 in the name of Kobayashi of the company MORITAcites two prior art Japanese documents JP 2817/62 and JP 25381/62relating to two series of measuring devices making it possible to locatethe position of the apex and to determine the depth of the root canal.

The first series of devices is based on a resistance measuring principleusing direct current, the continuous resistance dropping sharply whenthe apical zone is crossed.

The second series of devices is based on an impedance measuringprinciple, resistance generalisation, but with measurement using analternating signal and including two resistive and capacitivecomponents; the alternating signal impedance drops when the point of theprobe approaches the apex.

The first resistance measuring principle only makes it possible todetect when the apical terminus is passed, which does not satisfy thedentist's objective of being warned before having passed the apex.

The second impedance measuring principle should prove to give morewarning because the impedance is supposed to drop when there is a changein properties at the cement/dentine interface CT/IV when the apicalconstriction CA is being crossed, this being at a location before thedirecting line AA of the apex is reached as shown in FIG. 1.

A first disadvantage is that this second measuring principle, based onthe detection of a drop in impedance at the cement/dentine junction ofthe apical constriction does not work on children and young patientsbecause their teeth have little or no hypermineralised dentine.

In general, these two series of devices necessitate delicate rating andcalibration operations, operations which are imprecise, tedious and asource of error.

In practice, and speaking generally, these two series of apex locatorshave the disadvantage of indicating the position of the apex only afterthe point of the electrode probe has crossed the apical constriction.The resistance measurements do not drop before the point of the probehas passed the apical terminus APX. In fact it proves to be the casethat the impedance measurements drop only when the point of the file haspassed the orifice of the apical foramen FA and touches the ligamentbelow the dental root RT. However, dentists seek most particularly notto cross the apical foramen FA.

Another considerable problem is that the two measuring principles ofthese two series of apex locators have the disadvantage that theresistance/conductance measurements become wholly imprecise, evennonsensical, in the presence of conductive fluids in the root canal.

During dental cleaning and shaping procedures the canal is generallyfilled with fluids and materials, in particular organic bodies andmatter (saliva, blood, lymph, serum, physiological fluids, organicdebris) which behave like slightly salty media which are thus fairlyconductive, analogous to what is known as physiological liquid or serum(common aqueous saline solution of 0.9% NaCl) which is a moderatelyconductive ionic solution like seawater.

Furthermore, dentists have to continually clean the mouth of the patientwith a flow of rinsing liquid based on a conductive saline solution ofNaCl, and especially with disinfectant solutions, in particular Dakin'sliquid (“neutral diluted solute of sodium hypochlorite”, NaClO dilutedto 2.5% or 5%, similar to true Javel water) which is a very highlyconductive ionic solution (OH-ions). Such highly conductive ionicsolutions totally disrupt conductivity measurements (resistance,impedance) and entirely invalidate any determination of the position ofthe apex.

The on-going presence of such organic fluids and solutions during dentalprocedures precludes the use of apex-locating devices based on suchresistance or conductance measuring principles.

The improvement of this prior art proposed by Kobayashi in document U.S.Pat. No. 5,096,419 involves comparing two conductance measurementseffected at two distinct frequencies f and 5f as shown in FIG. 3 inorder to be unencumbered by fluctuations in conductivity caused by thepresence of ionic solutions.

According to this third measuring principle, measurements of voltage (V)are carried out at the terminals of a reference resistor R=5 kΩ placedin series with the electrodes. The series circuit is supplied by agenerator of square signals at the frequency f, which produces harmonicsignal components at the frequencies fa=f and fb=5f. In a first timeperiod (phase I) during the insertion of the probe into the root canal,the voltage measurements A and B taken at the two frequencies fa=f andfb=5f remain stable. In a second time period (phase II), the two voltagemeasurements A′ and B′ increase as a zone II corresponding to the apicalconstriction is being crossed (because the impedance of the canal dropsas the cement/dentine junction is approached).

According to document U.S. Pat. No. 5,096,419 of Kobayashi, the twocurves A′ and B′ are not equidistant in zone II but their deviation Fdecreases.

According to Kobayashi the difference δ between the two voltagemeasurements A and B (δ=A−B), initially of the substantially constantvalue −Γ in zone I, would decrease in zone II.

Kobayashi states that in zone II, the deviation B−A or the differenceδ=A−B comes closer to an extremum value (minimum deviation) beforeshifting suddenly in the other direction and becoming more separateagain. The extremum, i.e. the point AX where the deviation |B−A| isminimum (i.e. δ=A−B max.) corresponds to the position of the apexaccording to the teaching of U.S. Pat. No. 5,096,419.

Document U.S. Pat. No. 5,096,419 then describes a sophisticatedelectronic circuit for threshold detection in order to determine atwhich point the difference δ=A−B between the two voltages measured atthe two frequencies fa=f=1 kHz and fb=5f=5 kHz crosses a threshold valueθ corresponding to the position of the apex.

The disadvantage of this device is that the fixing of the thresholdvalue θ still necessitates calibration operations which are delicate,imprecise and a source of error. In practice, the precise course of thevariations in the curves A and B and their deviation |δ|=|A−B| areeminently variable according to the individual concerned and theelectrical conditions prevailing in each root canal.

For each individual canal of each root of each tooth it is necessary torecommence the rating and calibration operations, operations which arespecialised, time-consuming and tedious for the dentist and which makethese devices unattractive for the dentist to use.

In fact, depending on whether the threshold is fixed at a value θ belowthe extremum or at a value θ′ beyond the extremum, either themeasurement of the position P of the apex AX is imprecise and encumberedwith an error ε, or no crossing of the threshold is detected and thedevice does not signal that the probe is passing the apical terminus.

Generally speaking, this third principle of detecting a difference inmeasurements made at two frequencies also has the disadvantage of notsetting an absolute measuring criterion for the position of the apex.

The detection of the crossing of a threshold still has the disadvantageof being relative to the setting of an arbitrary threshold value.

From another point of view, if it were desired to detect the point AX ofturning back, i.e. the point of inflexion AX where the curve δ=A−Breaches the extremum and changes the direction of variation, which wouldconstitute an absolute criterion, it would nevertheless be necessary topass the point AX, i.e. to cross the apical terminus in order to detectthe passage at the extremum and the change in the direction ofvariation.

FIG. 4 illustrates a fourth apex-locating principle proposed by documentU.S. Pat. No. 5,080,586 in the name of Kawai of the OSADA Institute.

Document U.S. Pat. No. 5,080,586 describes a measuring system comparableto that of document U.S. Pat. No. 5,096,419 and consisting of applyingtwo alternating voltages V₁ and V₂ having two distinct frequencies f₁and f₂ to the terminals of a circuit comprising two electrodes (a needleinserted into the root canal of a tooth and an electrode in contact withan oral mucous membrane) in series with a measuring resistor.

It is the case that the two frequencies f₁=1 kHz and f₂=5 kHz proposedby document U.S. Pat. No. 5,080,586 are identical to the two frequenciesfa=f=1 kHz and fb=5f=5 kHz used according to the teaching of the otherdocument U.S. Pat. No. 5,096,419.

On the other hand, according to FIG. 4 which shows the course of themeasurement curves of document U.S. Pat. No. 5,080,586 of the prior art,the measurement curves of the two voltages V₁ and V₂ taken at the twofrequencies f₁=1 kHz and f₂=5 kHz diverge and move apart continuouslywith the depth P of insertion of the electrode, the deviation (V₂−V₁)increasing monotonously.

The points of view on the course of the voltage curves plotted at thetwo frequencies of f=1 kHz and 5f=5 kHz are thus divergent and show thedegree to which the measurements are errant, unreliable and do notconstitute an absolute measurement criterion for precisely determiningthe position of the apex.

In order to determine the position of the apex, the document U.S. Pat.No. 5,080,586 proposes determining the ratio between these two voltagesV1 and V2 plotted at the two frequencies f₁ and f₂ (ratio V2/V1) anddetermining a threshold value, the position of the apex A correspondingto the crossing of this threshold by the ratio V2/V1.

This alternative measuring principle still has the disadvantage of notconstituting an absolute criterion for determining the exact position ofthe apex but of referring to relative threshold values, varyingaccording to the individuals concerned and the electrolytic conditionsprevailing in each root canal, which means that the dentist has toperform calibration operations which are delicate, imprecise and asource of error.

More generally, these latter apex-locator generations are based onprinciples of measuring voltage at the terminals of a reference resistorin series with the two electrodes which reflect the conductance (inverseof the impedance) existing in the root canal between the electrodes.

The problem is that such measuring principles are directly affected bythe presence of conductive fluids in the root canal which entirelyinvalidate the determination of the position of the apex.

As already mentioned, the presence of conductive fluids in the rootcanal is inevitable in dental surgery procedures because of the presenceof fluids and organic materials (blood, lymph, saliva, serum, organicdebris) and the necessity of cleaning the mouth with rinsing solutions(physiological liquid, i.e. 0.9% NaCl solution) or with disinfectantsolutions (Dakin's liquid, i.e. NaClO solution).

Moreover, another general problem of the apex-locating devices based onmeasurements of impedance in the root canal of the tooth is that they donot permit resolution of complex teeth having several root canals orroot canals with bifurcations or aberrations (multiple, forked, branchedor twin roots, excrescences . . . ).

The molars have several roots and root canals which are generally wellseparated. The premolars and molars generally have twin roots, justsubdivided at their end by a bifurcation into two twin (forked) rootcanals. Other teeth may have branches or aberrations. The teeth whichgenerally are most subjected to dental surgery and endodontic cleaningand shaping procedures are precisely these complex teeth, notably themolars and premolars.

The object of the invention is thus to provide a means of apex locationwhich solves these problems and overcomes the disadvantages of prior artapex locators.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object of the invention is to develop means for detecting theposition of the apex based on a criterion of absolute measurement of thedepth of the apex, no longer requiring the arbitrary setting of relativethresholds which are dependent on the patient or on fluctuations in thecharacteristics of the root canal.

The object of the present invention is thus to produce a system, deviceor method for apex location making it possible to determine the positionof the apex with a good level of precision regardless of theconfiguration or the conditions presented by the root canals of theteeth.

The object is in particular to be able to determine precisely theposition of the apex while being as little sensitive as possible to thepresence of conductive fluids and especially rinsing solutions, organicbodies or physiological liquids analogous to the presence of commonsaline solution based on sodium chloride (0.9% NaCl), as well as ionicdisinfectant solutions such as Dakin's liquid based on sodiumhypochlorite (2.5% or 5% NaClO) used systematically during dentalsurgery procedures, in particular for endodontic abscess curageprocedures.

Another object is to create a method and device for apex locationpermitting resolution of teeth with complex root canals, i.e. making itpossible to recognise, single-out and determine the position of the endof each root canal of the tooth with a good level of precision with thegreatest possible improvement over the previously commercially availabledevices.

One particular object is to produce an apex-locating system providing adetermination of the position of the apex with not only a low level oferror with respect to the actual position of the apical terminus butalso permitting the position of the apex to be indicated before theapical terminus is reached or passed.

Stated briefly, the invention provides using an endodontic deviceconventionally comprising two electrodes, one in connection with a fileor a metal probe able to be inserted in the root canal of a tooth, theother able to be brought into closely conductive, low-impedance,electrical contact with an oral mucous membrane, the two electrodesbeing incorporated in series in a circuit supplied by a frequency-agilealternating signal generator and comprising an assembly for measuringthe amplitude of the alternating signals. The assembly comprises, inparticular, a voltage amplitude measuring device for the alternatingsignals at the terminals of a measuring reference resistor in serieswith the electrodes and the frequency-agile generator supplying thisseries circuit, which amounts to measuring the amplitude of thealternating current passing through the reference resistor and theelectrodes. According to the invention the amplitude of the alternatingsignals is plotted at widely diverse frequencies belonging to opposingfrequency bands as permitted by the extent of the frequency ranges ofthe frequency-agile generator.

According to the invention the amplitude levels of the signals plottedat two defined frequencies intersect when passing the apicalconstriction, i.e. depending on the insertion of the probe electrode atdepth into a root canal of a tooth and during the course of thisinsertion, a number of phases, zones and/or hierarchies aredistinguished as follows:

-   -   initially, during introduction of the probe, at the start of the        crown-like part of the tooth (“crown”), the first signal        amplitude level plotted at a lower frequency (low frequency f)        is clearly higher than the other amplitude level plotted at the        higher frequency (high frequency F), then    -   as the probe is being introduced into the root canal of the        tooth, the two amplitude levels of the signals plotted at the        two defined frequencies (opposing low and high frequencies f        & F) increase as the end of the root canal is approached,    -   in a transition zone, which corresponds to passage of the apical        constriction, at the end of the root canal, the second amplitude        level plotted at the higher frequency (high frequency F) comes        closer to, meets and becomes substantially equal to the first        amplitude level plotted at the lower frequency (low frequency        f), up to the point of exactly coinciding with it, and possibly        (if one continues),    -   after the apical constriction zone is passed, the second signal        amplitude level plotted at the higher frequency (high        frequency F) becomes greater than, or even clearly exceeds, the        first amplitude level plotted at the lower frequency (low        frequency f).

Of course, for the dentist it is out of the question to seek to pass theapical terminus and thus reach the zone where the second amplitude levelplotted at the higher frequency (high frequency F) would become greaterthan the first amplitude level measured at the lower frequency (lowfrequency f).

Thus in an advantageous manner the invention provides a criterion forabsolute measurement of the position of the apical constriction whichcorresponds to the point where the two amplitude levels determined atthe two defined frequencies (low and high frequencies f and F) intersector at least meet and become substantially equal and/or coincide.

In order to achieve the objects mentioned above there is provided,according to the invention, an apex-locating method to determine ameasurement of the depth position of the apex in a root canal of atooth, using a device having a first conductive electrode forming anendodontic probe able to be inserted into the root canal of a tooth, asecond electrode shaped to be brought into electrically conductivecontact with an oral mucous membrane, frequency-generating means able toproduce alternating electrical signals at a number of frequencies, andmeans for measuring the magnitude of alternating electrical signals in acircuit comprising the said frequency generator, the first probeelectrode inserted into the root canal and the second electrode incontact with the oral mucous membrane, the method comprising the stepsof:

-   -   exciting the circuit and measuring the magnitude levels of the        alternating electrical signals in the circuit, at a lower        frequency and a higher frequency respectively;    -   detecting a point of coincidence where two respective levels of        the electrical magnitude measured at the said lower and higher        frequencies meet and are substantially equal, the said lower and        higher frequencies being sufficiently far apart for such a point        of coincidence to exist, the said point of coincidence        corresponding to the position of the apex.

Provision is preferably made for measuring amplitude levels of theelectrical signals applied to the circuit and more precisely theintensity of the current passing through the electrodes, in particularby measuring absolute voltage amplitude values of the electrical signalsat the terminals of a resistor in series with the electrodes.

The invention is also implemented with an apex-locating device fordetermining the depth position of the apical constriction in a dentalroot canal, the device comprising a terminal for connection to a firstconductive endodontic probe electrode able to be inserted into the rootcanal or one of the root canals of a tooth, a second electrode shaped tobe brought into electrically conductive contact with an oral mucousmembrane, one or more frequency-generating means able to producealternating electrical signals at least two frequencies, and means formeasuring the electrical magnitude of the alternating signals in acircuit comprising the frequency-generating means, the first electrodeinserted into the root canal of the tooth and the second electrode incontact with the oral mucous membrane, characterised in that it hasfrequency selection control means for exciting the circuit at a firstlower frequency and at a second higher frequency, and for respectivelymeasuring a first level and a second level of standardised magnitude ofthe alternating electrical signals in the said circuit and means fordetecting and/or signalling when the first level measured at the firstlower frequency is not greater than the second electrical magnitudelevel of the alternating signal measured at the second higher frequency.According to the invention the said lower and higher frequencies aresufficiently far apart for the two respective levels to meet and becomesubstantially equal at a point of coincidence corresponding to theposition of the apex.

It appears, when consideration is given thereto, that the inventionhighlights a fact which was not obvious. Curiously the invention isdistinctive in that the lower frequency and the higher frequency areselected so that in an initial phase, corresponding to the commencementof the insertion of the point of the endodontic probe electrode at thebeginning of the root canal, the first level measured at the lowerfrequency is higher than the second level measured at the higherfrequency.

Generally speaking, according to the invention, the lower and higherfrequencies are selected in opposing frequency bands which are distinctand/or far apart, i.e. non-adjacent, or the said lower and higherfrequencies are even separated by one or more orders of magnitude. Thesaid higher frequency is preferably at least two, three or four ordersof magnitude higher than the said lower frequency.

Typically the said lower frequency is selected in a low frequency bandwhile the said higher frequency is selected in a high frequency band.

In particular, the said lower frequency and the said higher frequencyare located respectively in two opposing frequency ranges on either sideof a frequency range including at least the conventional number fourband (band no. 4 known as VLF or hm·W·B.) which covers the frequenciesof three kilohertz to thirty kilohertz (3-30 kHz).

In particular, it appears that the lower frequency is lower than 950hertz and preferably lower than 500 hertz; while the higher frequency ishigher than 9500 hertz and preferably higher than 95 kHz.

More precisely, in exemplified embodiments of the invention which areset out below, the lower frequency is in a conventional number two orlower frequency band, i.e. between 300 hertz and 30 hertz or less; whilethe higher frequency is in a conventional number six or a higher numberfrequency band, i.e. between 300 kHz and 3 MHz or even more.

According to one particular embodiment of the invention set out below,the lower frequency is in a frequency band of about ten hertz to severalhundred hertz, preferably around a value of 100 hertz, while the higherfrequency is selected in a frequency band of the order of one half orone megahertz to five or ten megahertz, it preferably being possible toadjust the choice of the higher frequency to a value selected among agroup of several calibrated values around {0.5 MHz-1 MHz-2 MHz-5 MHz}depending on the electrolytic conditions prevailing in the root canal,in particular the presence of conductive aqueous ionic solutions such asthe presence of physiological liquid or a common saline solution ofsodium chloride (NaCl) or the presence of Dakin's liquid or adisinfectant solution based on sodium hypochlorite (NaClO).

In an advantageous and unexpected manner it appears, as shown by theexemplified results of the measuring procedures detailed below, thatsuch a coincidence point detection mode in accordance with the inventionmakes it possible to obtain coherent apex depth measurement results inthe presence of electrolytes, in particular in the presence of commonaqueous ionic solutions based on sodium chloride (NaCl at ˜1%, precisely9‰) as well as in the presence of disinfectant rinsing solutions usuallyused during dental surgery procedures such as the antiseptic sodiumhypochlorite-based solutions (5% NaClO or 2.5% NaClO).

Another major advantage is that the invention makes it possible toresolve the root canals of complex teeth, i.e. it makes it possible torecognise, single out, determine or provide coherent measurement resultsfor the depth of the canal of each root for complex teeth, such as teethhaving relatively wide root canals or having bifurcations (forked,branched or bifurcated roots) or aberrations, according to the firstresults of studies carried out on reconstituted tooth models andspecimens of actual teeth.

The selection of the defined values of the lower and higher frequenciesmakes it possible to refine the measurement of the point of coincidenceof the amplitude levels plotted at the said frequencies (low frequency fand high frequency F) and to cause it to correspond precisely to theexact location point of the apex.

In particular, the choice of lower and higher frequencies can bemodulated to optimise the measurement results, minimise measurementuncertainty and obtain the greatest precision depending on theconditions prevailing in the dental canal, in particular depending onwhether the root canal is irrigated by a sodium chloride-basedconductive solution (“physiological liquid”) or by a sodiumhypochlorite-based ionic solution (“Dakin's liquid”) or depending on theconfiguration of the root canal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other advantages, features and objects of the invention will becomeclear on reading the description of exemplified embodiments detailedbelow, in view of the attached sheets of drawings, which are given byway of non-limiting example in which:

FIG. 1, already mentioned, shows a cross-sectional view of the structureof the canal of a dental root with the position of the apex at its end,as known in anatomy;

FIGS. 2A and 2B, already mentioned, schematically illustrate a directcurrent measurement of the resistance R between two electrodes, oneconnected to an endodontic probe, the other in contact with an oralmucous membrane and making it possible to locate the depth DP of theapex at the point where R=6.5 kilohms, according to a first knownapex-locating principle;

FIG. 3, mentioned earlier, is a diagram showing—as a function of theinsertion depth of a probe—the curves of voltage levels A and B plottedat two frequencies fa=1 kHz and fb=5 kHz as well as the course of thedifference δ between these levels, which has a point of inflexion(extremum) at the site of the apex, according to another apex-locatingprinciple used in one type of prior art device;

FIG. 4, mentioned earlier, is another diagram showing other voltagelevel curves V₁ and V₂ also plotted at the two frequencies f1=1 kHz,f2=5 kHz according to another apex-locating principle using the ratio ofthe voltages (ratio V2/V1) implemented in another type of deviceaccording to another prior art document;

FIG. 5A illustrates a diagram of the electric circuit of theapex-locating device used according to the invention;

FIGS. 5B to 5D illustrate equivalent diagrams of the electric circuit ofthe apex-locating device according to the invention;

FIG. 6A is a diagram of amplitude measurement as a function of theinsertion depth of the probe electrode, showing the general course ofthe curves plotted at different frequencies from low frequency to highfrequency and their intersection according to the invention;

FIG. 6B shows a diagram of curves drawn from FIG. 6A, showing theintersecting of two particular selected measurement curves plotted attwo opposing frequencies, one at low frequency f=100 Hz, the other athigh frequency F=500 kHz, their point of intersection C corresponding tothe position X of the apex according to the invention;

FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 show three dental root models α, β and γ (the first αnarrowing in a funnel-shape with a narrow canal, the second β having abifurcation into two root canals, the third γ having branched canalaberrations) on which depth measurements of each root canal have beentrialled (cf. the following figures) with a device according to theinvention;

FIGS. 10A to 13′C show a series of curves showing amplitude measurementas a function of the depth of insertion of a probe electrode and plottedexperimentally in relation to the three models α, β, γ of theabove-mentioned root canals (FIG. 7, 8, 9), these canals being irrigatedsuccessively with three aqueous solutions (Figure marked A: 0.9% NaCl;figure marked B: 2.5% NaClO; figure marked C: 5% NaClO) with variousprobes and making it possible to locate the position of the apexaccording to the invention;

FIGS. 10A, 10B, 10C show the amplitude/depth curves plotted in relationto the root canal model α of FIG. 7 with a bare metal probe and in thepresence respectively of 0.9% NaCl solution (10A), 2.5% NaClO solution(10B) and 5% NaClO solution (10C);

FIGS. 11A and 11B show the amplitude/depth curves plotted in relation tothe root canal model α of FIG. 7 with a probe covered with insulation inthe presence respectively of the same solutions (FIG. 11A: 0.9% NaCl)(FIG. 11B: 2.5% NaClO);

FIGS. 12A-12′A and 12C-12′C show the amplitude/depth curves plottedalternately (12, 12′) in relation to the first and second root canal β1and β2 of the dental root model β with forked branching of FIG. 8 in thepresence respectively of the same solutions (FIG. 12A-12′A: 0.9% NaCl)(FIG. 12C-12′C: 5% NaClO);

FIGS. 13A-13′A, 13B-13′B and 13C-13′C show the curves plottedalternately (13/13′) in relation to the first and second root canal γ1,γ2 of the branched root model γ of FIG. 9 with a bare metal probe in thepresence respectively of the same solutions (FIG. 13A-13′A: 0.9% NaCl)(FIG. 13B-13′B: 2.5% NaClO) (FIG. 13C-13′C: 5% NaClO);

FIGS. 14A, 14B and 14C show amplitude/depth curves plottedexperimentally in relation to an actual tooth Δ at two frequencies f=100Hz and F=0.5 or 1 MHz, in the presence respectively of the threeirrigating solutions (FIG. 14A: 0.9% NaCl) (FIG. 14B: 2.5% NaClO) (FIG.14C: 5% NaClO); and

FIGS. 15 to 18 are diagrams showing several clusters of points givingevaluations of measurement errors ε_(err) as a function of the value ofthe higher frequency F selected during depth measurement procedures onroot canals α, β, γ; the diagram of FIG. 15 brings together theevaluations of measurement error ε as a function of the higher frequencyF for a whole series of depth measurements on the root canal of thedental model α of FIG. 7; FIGS. 16 and 17 bring together the evaluationsof error ε as a function of the higher frequency F for the root canalmodels β and γ of FIGS. 8 and 9 respectively; FIG. 18 brings togetherthe evaluations of error ε as a function of F for several series of apexdepth measurements on several specimens of actual teeth.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the present invention a conductive endodontic probe is used which mayhave various forms and in particular be formed by a metal rod, point orfile which acts as an electrode. The probe electrode is preferably inthe form of a narrow, elongate, flexible metal rod, of centimetriclength (of the order of one centimeter or a fraction of a centimeter toseveral centimeters, not more than a decimeter, typically 2-3 cm). Thisrod or file with a round or other cross-sectional shape has a diameter(transverse dimension) clearly less than its length. The metal rod whichacts as a terminal electrode (in electrical contact with an intermediateconnection electrode and/or connected to an output terminal of thegenerator GF) can be covered over all or part of its length by aninsulating covering as in the plots of experimental curves as reportedhereinafter in relation to FIGS. 11A and 11B. It is possible, inparticular, to use endodontic probes which are available throughcommercial networks, and the experimentation results reportedhereinafter will be compared with those of an existing prior artapex-locating device, the results obtained with this prior artapex-locating device being marked by the reference AD in FIG. 10A andfollowing.

Turning to FIG. 5A, by way of reference, it appears that the electriccircuit of the apex-locating device according to the inventionadvantageously uses a sinusoidal alternating signal frequency generatorGF, connected in series with a first conductive electrode E1 which isformed by the endodontic probe S which engages in the root canal CR of atooth specimen (hereinafter Δ) or a model of a dental canal (hereinafterα, β, γ). The circuit has a second earth electrode E0 connected inseries with an assembly or apparatus AM for measuring the intensity ofthe alternating current which passes through the two electrodes E0-E1and is produced by the alternating signal generator GF which is in thiscase a frequency-agile generator.

The measuring assembly and apparatus AM must permit measurement of theamplitude of the alternating sinusoidal signals and more precisely theamplitude of the intensity of the alternating currents. However,according to the exemplified measuring assembly of FIG. 5A the measuringapparatus AM can measure the voltage amplitude of the alternatingsignals, in particular the absolute amplitude (as a peak, effective orRMS value) and be connected in parallel on the terminals of a referencemeasuring resistor Rm placed in series with the electrodes E0-E1 and thefrequency-agile generator GF of the circuit. According to a firstexperimental example 5B, 5C, 5D, the measuring apparatus AM can be anoscilloscope covering an extensive range of frequencies and themeasuring terminals of which are connected to the terminals of ameasuring resistor Rm operating at a very low value compared with theinput impedance Zi of the apparatus AM, i.e. compared with its inputresistance Ri and especially the capacitance Ci between its inputterminals. By way of example, with an input resistance of ten megohms(R_(i)=10 MΩ) and a capacitance of fifteen picofarads (C_(i)=15 pF), ameasuring resistor Rm having a value of the order of ten thousand ohmsor less, for example one or several thousand ohms, makes it possible tohave a high cut-off frequency, greater than one megahertz (fc>1 MHz) andeven than several megahertz, even about ten megahertz (fc>10 MHz).

In an advantageous manner such a measuring impedance (i.e.R_(m)//C_(i)=10 kΩ//15 pF) is adapted to the intrinsic impedance Z foundbetween the two electrodes E1 and E0, i.e. the actual impedance Z of theroot canal CR.

The circuit GF or the alternating signal generating means must besuitable for producing signals with frequencies in separated frequencyranges and in particular be able to produce alternating signals at leasttwo frequencies (f, F) selected in opposing frequency bands, i.e. indecades of frequencies which are distinct and preferably distant, i.e.separated by one or several decades or bands of frequencies. One of thetwo frequencies (f) is designated herein as being the first frequency,low frequency or lower frequency; the other frequency (F) is called thesecond, high or higher frequency. The first frequency f belongs to adomain usually considered the domain of low electrical frequencies, i.e.the domain of frequencies lower than the very low radioelectricfrequencies (f<3 kHz—lower limit of the conventional number 4radioelectric band). The first frequency f belongs, in particular, tothe domain of frequencies including the band conventionally numbered 2,around 10² Hz (30 Hz≦f≦300 Hz), while the second frequency F belongs toanother opposing frequency domain, usually considered as the highelectrical frequency domain, i.e. the domain of radiofrequencies (F>>3kHz), a domain which includes, in particular, the band of mediumradioelectric frequencies conventionally numbered 6, around 10⁶ Hz (300kHz≦F≦3 MHz). The said number 6 frequency band, which covers a decade offrequencies around about 1 MHz, is also known in radioelectricity underthe terms medium frequencies, MF, or medium wave, MW, metricallyabbreviated to hm·B or hm·W for hectometric band or waves.

Consequently, the measuring apparatus must cover a wide range offrequencies covering frequency ranges including the bands ranging fromfrequencies lower than the very low radio frequencies or low electricalfrequencies (f=30 to 300 Hz or 3000 Hz) and the medium frequency radiobands or high frequency bands (F=300 kHz to 3 MHz or more).

In the measuring circuit example of FIG. 5A, the apparatus AM measuresan absolute value RMS of the amplitude of the voltage U at the terminalsof this measuring resistor Rm.

Such measurements correspond to absolute amplitude measurements (RMS) ofthe intensity I of the current which passes through the canal betweenthe electrodes E0-E1 and the whole circuit excited by the frequencygenerator GF which produces an alternating signal voltage at the definedfrequency selected by its frequency selection control.

The absolute amplitude value may equally be a peak value of thealternating signal Imax, a peak to peak value 2·Imax, a calculatedeffective value (i.e. Imax/√2), a true effective value Ieff, a so-calledRMS (root mean square of the momentary amplitude values) or otherabsolute value measurements, in particular values proportional to orlinked to the previously stated absolute values, provided that these arestandardised values giving a standard of the amplitude of thealternating signal.

Several in-depth sequential series of measuring procedures were carriedout by the inventors covering frequency ranges from 100 Hz to 5 MHz,successively registering sequences of measurement curves at determinedfrequencies spaced apart by an exponential frequency jump (i.e. series1, 2, 5, 10, . . . , 100, 200, 500, 1000, . . . , 500000, 1000000,2·10⁶, 5·10⁶ . . . Hz), concentrating in particular on the course of theamplitude curves of the alternating signals plotted at these variousfrequency values depending on the distance of the end of the endodonticprobe from the end of the root canal, obtained by varying the insertiondepth of the probe within the root canal of a large number of models ofdental canals and actual teeth.

FIG. 6A shows the general course of a series of measurement curves thusobtained by using such a system AM for measuring the amplitude of thealternating signals produced by a frequency-agile generator GF in aseries circuit comprising the two conductive electrodes E0-E1, theendodontic probe electrode E1-S being engaged in a root canal CR (dentalcanal model or specimen of an actual tooth). Each measurement curve isplotted at a defined frequency. The curve brings together a group ofmeasurement points at the said frequency depending on the depth ofinsertion reached by the end of the probe. The measurement points areplotted by pressing the probe step-by-step deeper STP into the rootcanal. The insertion of the probe is effected on a micromechanical benchwith micrometric displacement, the obtained stepping and the obtainedpositioning precision of which are clearly less than one millimeter andof the order of about a hundred micrometers or less. At each step STP,the absolute amplitude (RMS) of the alternating signal is measured atthe selected frequency at the terminals of the measuring resistor Rm.

Each curve of FIG. 6A brings together these measurement points of theabsolute amplitude level of the intensity I (I=U/Rm) depending on thedepth STP or P of insertion of the end of the conductive electrode E1formed by the endodontic probe S into the root canal CR, the probe beingdisplaced step-by-step STP by the micromechanism.

As can be seen on each curve of FIG. 6A and the following FIGS. 6B and10A-14C, it appears that each group of more than about a hundredmeasurement points determined at a defined frequency forms a group ofmeasurements which is totally coherent and continuous, forming a smooth,regular curve with no discontinuity.

In a general way, according to the overall course of the amplitudemeasurement curves of FIGS. 6A-6B and following 10A-14C it will beobserved that each curve has at least three portions I, II, III, . . .as follows:

-   -   a first portion I in which the amplitude level of the        alternating signals is stable at a base level or increases very        slightly with the depth of insertion P of the probe; this first        portion I corresponds to the initial phase of insertion of the        probe at the start of the dental canal and extends to the whole        phase where the end of the probe runs over the major part of the        length of the root canal, i.e. from the introduction of the        probe into the tooth crown (crown-like part) as far as the        apical zone II;    -   a second portion II in which the amplitude level (RMS) of the        signals increases rapidly according to the depth of insertion of        the probe; as indicated by a vertical axis line APX in FIG. 6A        or an upright marker X of depth P in the following FIGS. 6B and        10A-14C, this second portion II corresponds to the phase in        which the end of the probe crosses the apical zone around the        position of the apex APX;    -   a third portion III, if applicable, in which the amplitude level        of the alternating signals increases less rapidly and/or no        longer increases with the depth P of insertion of the probe, so        that the amplitude level is re-established and possibly        stabilises at a terminal upper level; this latter portion III        corresponds to a phase where the end of the probe has passed the        apical zone and is embedded at depth beyond the position X of        the apex APX; the signal level varies little or no longer varies        with respect to the terminal upper level.

As shown in FIG. 6A in the curves plotted at the low frequencies(designated by “BF”), i.e. at the first lower frequency values of, forexample, 100 Hz, 200 Hz, 500 Hz, . . . , 10 kHz, 20 kHz, 50 kHz etc., itis observed that each amplitude level curve increases moderately betweena relatively high initial base level in the region of I=0.15 to 0.2 mA,to reach a final upper level between I=0.3 and 0.45 mA.

In fact a number of bundles of curves can be distinguished, inparticular a first bundle BF of low frequency curves (i.e. 100 Hz, 200Hz, 500 Hz, . . . , 10 kHz, 20 kHz, 50 kHz) and another bundle HFbringing together curves plotted at high frequency (i.e. . . . 200 kHz,500 kHz, 1 MHz, 2 MHz, 5 MHz, . . . ). Among the first bundle BF of lowfrequency amplitude curves, the curve produced at the first lowerfrequency value f=100 Hz seems to have the lowest amplitude levelvariation between an average initial base level I1≈0.15 mA and aterminal upper level I3≈0.325 mA. In the other bundle HF of highfrequency HF amplitude curves the curves are stepped regularly by levelsdecreasing with the increase in their measurement frequency F. The curveproduced at the greatest higher frequency value F=5 MHz shows both aminimum initial base level and a minimum terminal upper level. Amongthis bundle of high frequency HF curves, the curves produced at theintermediate high frequency values F=500 kHz, 1 MHz, 2 MHz appear to bethose undergoing the greatest amplitude level variation, between aparticularly low initial base level and a particularly high terminalupper level.

However, as suggested by FIGS. 6A-6B and FIGS. 10A-14C, the levels ofthese curves fluctuate and vary depending on various parameters, such asthe type of tooth specimen, the geometric configuration of the rootcanal(s) (wide, narrow, branches and/or aberrations), the presence ofelectrolytic media (physiological liquids, diluted ionic solutes basedon NaCl or NaClO) and, most of all, the frequency and choice ofparticular frequencies according to the invention.

During these measurement procedures the inventors concentrated oncumulative plots of synthetic curves of amplitude measurement, themeasurements relating to the absolute amplitude of the intensity I ofthe alternating signals as measured at the terminals of the measuringresistor Rm in series with the electrodes E0-E1, the curves beingproduced according to the depth of insertion of the endodontic probeelectrode S and according to the value of each of the selectedfrequencies. In these systematic study procedures the inventors used afrequency-agile alternating signal generator GF covering frequency bandsranging from the conventional number two band (corresponding to the bandaround 10² Hz or 30 to 300 hertz) to the conventional number six andseven bands (corresponding to the band around 10⁶ Hz, i.e. 300 kHz to 3MHz, and to the 10⁷ Hz band, i.e. 3 MHz to 30 MHz).

From among all these series of curves the inventors selected certainones of the curves produced at defined frequencies located at the endsof the frequency spectrum of the broad frequency ranges covered by thegenerator, and noticed that these selected curves, produced atparticular opposing frequencies, have the characteristic ofintersecting.

More precisely, the diagram of FIG. 6B shows a selection of certainparticular curves of FIG. 6A, the two selected curves being plotted attwo defined frequencies f and F belonging to the opposing frequencybands at the ends of the frequency spectrum of the alternating signalgenerator GF. The two curves f and F of the diagram 6B show the courseof the development of the absolute amplitude levels RMS (in intensity Ior in voltage V=Rm·I) depending on the depth P of the end of the probe Sin the canal of a dental root CR.

In detail, in the curves shown in FIG. 6B, it can be seen that eachcurve has a number of zones I, II, III, . . . corresponding to the twoor three portions of the dental canal in which the amplitude levels ofthese signals are organized into a hierarchy as follows:

-   -   in a first zone I, corresponding to the start of the        introduction of the probe at the crown-like part of the tooth        (crown) then to the engagement and passage over the major part        of the length of the root canal, the amplitude levels I1 and I2        plotted at the two frequencies f=100 Hz and F=500 kHz vary        little according to the depth (the depth P varies in this case        between 0 and 1 to 3 centimeters, the distance D with respect to        the apex X varying in a complementary manner between 10-20        millimeters and 0 mm). In this first zone I the first amplitude        level I1 plotted at the first lower frequency (f=100 Hz) is        clearly higher that the second amplitude level I2 of the        intensity I or the voltage U of the alternating signal plotted        at the second higher frequency (F=500 kHz);    -   in a second zone II, when the end of the probe reaches insertion        depths P between 10 and 20 mm, corresponding to the terminal        part of the root canal CR and to the approach of the apex APX        (positioned at the value P=100% i.e. D=0), the two absolute        amplitude levels If and IF (RMS I=V/R_(m)) of the alternating        signals plotted at these two frequencies, the low frequency f        and the high frequency F (in this case f=100 Hz and F=500 kHz),        increase rapidly with the increase in the insertion depth P of        the probe S and the decrease in the distance D with respect to        the apex APX, X.    -   More precisely in this second zone II corresponding to the end        of the root canal CR, the first amplitude level If determined at        the first low frequency (f=100 Hz) has a positive rate of        increase (I3−I1/ΔP) depending on the insertion depth P of the        probe electrode but lower than the rate of increase (I4−I2/ΔP)        of the second amplitude level IF plotted at the second high        frequency (F=500 kHz), to such a degree that the second level IF        determined at the second high frequency (F=500 kHz) comes closer        to, catches up with, and meets the first level If determined at        the first low frequency (f=100 Hz), to the point of becoming        substantially equal to it and intersecting with it C.    -   Subsequently after this point of coincidence or intersection C,        in a third zone III, the second level IF of amplitude RMS of the        alternating signal determined at the second high frequency        (F=500 kHz) continues to increase with a rate of increase        (ΔIF/ΔP) greater than, or at least substantially equal to, that        (ΔIf/ΔP) of the first signal amplitude level If plotted at the        first low frequency (f=100 Hz).

Thus beyond this point C where the two levels If and IF meet and/orintersect, in the final zone, the second amplitude level IF plotted atthe second frequency (F=500 kHz) continues to increase with a higherrate of increase and to move away from the first amplitude level Ifplotted at the first low frequency (f=100 Hz) or maintains the deviationwith a rate of increase substantially equal to the first amplitude levelIf before they stabilise at levels IF=I4 and If=I3 which hardly vary.

According to the inventors' studies it unexpectedly turns out that thepoint C where there is a meeting and/or intersection of the two absoluteamplitude level curves If and IF of the signals (I or V/Rm), determinedin this case at f=100 Hz and F=500 kHz, is located at a depth M whichapparently corresponds to the depth X of the apex APX (P=100%).

It remains that the important object during dental surgery procedures,such as a cleaning and shaping procedure of the endodontic canal, andthe actual functional aim of the apex-locating systems is to not passthe apex APX and to avoid engaging beyond the apical foramen FA but toapproach it as closely as possible while not reaching the apicalterminus APX. Consequently, provision is simply made according to theinvention to detect such a point of coincidence C where there is ameeting of, and equalisation between, the two amplitude levels If and IFof the alternating signals plotted at opposing frequencies f and Fselected in the bands VLF/LF (very low frequencies/low frequencies) andMF/HF (medium frequencies/high frequencies) of the frequency spectrum ofthe frequency generator circuit GF. Thus by means of the invention it isadvantageously possible not to pass the said point C and to avoidengaging in the third zone III in which the hierarchy of the first levelIf and of the second level IF is inverted and where the second levelIF→I4 becomes greater and moves further and further away from the firstlevel If→I3 (divergence of the second level IF above the first level Ifof amplitude RMS at the depths P>100% beyond the position X of the apexAPX).

The first advantage of the invention is that the detection of such apoint of coincidence C constitutes by itself an absolute measurementcriterion for the position of the apex. The detection of this point ofcoincidence C does not make reference to a threshold and does notrequire a relative reference threshold to be adjusted or rated. Thedetection of the point of coincidence C according to the inventionadvantageously permits an absolute determination of the position of theapex.

According to the invention there is no need to seek to confirm that thetwo levels do intersect by seeking the third zone III in which thesecond level IF becomes higher than the first If and/or they becomeseparate again (zone III where If→I3 and IF→I4 again become clearlydistant). According to the invention it will suffice simply to detectthe point C where the two levels If and IF meet and become substantiallyequal in order to locate the apex APX, avoiding passing this point ofcoincidence C as a precautionary measure.

Thus in its principle the invention provides for implementation of amethod for locating the apex at the end of the root or of one of theroots of a tooth, a method intended more precisely to locate the apicalconstriction at the bottom of each root canal of the tooth and todetermine the depth position of the apical terminus at the end of theroot canal, the apex-locating method using a device comprising a firstconductive endodontic probe electrode able to be inserted into the rootcanal of the tooth, a second conductive electrode shaped to be broughtinto electrically conductive contact with an oral mucous membrane, acircuit or frequency-generating means able to produce alternatingelectrical signals at a number of frequencies (at least two frequencies:a lower frequency, low frequency, and a higher frequency, highfrequency), and means for measuring the magnitude of the alternatingelectrical signals produced in an electric circuit comprising the saidfrequency-generating means, the first electrode inserted into the rootcanal, the second electrode in contact with the oral mucous membrane andthe measuring means, the method comprising steps consisting of:

-   -   exciting the circuit and measuring the level of magnitude of the        alternating electrical signals in the circuit, respectively at a        lower frequency f and at a higher frequency F (selected so that        the first level If determined at the lower frequency f (low        frequency) is initially (If=I1) higher than the second level        IF=I2 determined at the higher frequency F (high frequency));    -   detecting a point of coincidence C where the two respective        levels If and IF of the electrical magnitude (Amplitude RMS I)        measured at the said lower f and higher F frequencies meet and        are substantially equal, the said lower and higher frequencies        being sufficiently far apart for such a point of coincidence C        to exist, the said point C/M corresponding to the position X of        the apex.

The existence of this point of coincidence C, which at first sight makesit possible to characterise a measurement of depth of the position X ofthe apical constriction, according to the preliminary study by theinventors, demanded more in-depth investigation by a programme of moreintensive study extending to different root canal models and a series ofactual tooth specimens.

An extensive programme of systematic experimental measurements ofabsolute amplitude level curves for the intensity of the alternatingsignal as a function of the depth of insertion of the probe electrodeand the frequencies chosen was carried out to refine the results. Thissystematic study programme was carried out with adaptive probes bycomparing the results M, obtained according to the invention, withreference results AD obtained with an apex-locating device with acommercially available endodontic probe of the prior art. Thesereference results are indicated in the diagrams showing measurementreadings, under the reference AD. In a first aspect of this extensiveprogramme the experimental readings were effected on models of dentalroot canals, three samples α, β and γ of which are shown in FIGS. 7 to9.

As shown in FIG. 7 the first dental root canal model (α) has afunnel-shaped orifice extending by a narrow canal with a substantiallyconstant diameter which ends suddenly in an open orifice (shoulder-likerecesses).

FIG. 8 shows another dental root canal model (β) having a bifurcation,the root sub-dividing in its terminal part into two root canals β1, β2and each having an apical orifice, such complex branching existing inthe structure of many teeth (molars with multiple roots, premolars withtwin roots, etc.).

FIG. 9 shows a final experimental model of a dental root canal (γ)having aberrations and bifurcations with branching into two root canalsγ1, γ2 and a lateral excrescence, this type of aberration existing inactual dental roots and being particularly difficult to resolve, i.e. torecognise, single out and distinguish using prior art endodontic probedevices.

Other experimental results plotted in relation to actual teeth will bedetailed hereinunder in the following description.

FIGS. 10A to 13′C show a series of measurement results of the apex depthin each of the root canals of the dental models of FIGS. 7, 8 and 9obtained according to the method of the invention, these results beingcompared with those obtained with a prior art, commercially availableapex-locating device, these comparative results being indicated by areference mark AD.

For each FIGS. 10, 11, 12-12′ and 13-13′ the diagrams marked A give theamplitude/depth curves plotted in the presence of an irrigating sodiumchloride solution close to 1% (aqueous 0.9% NaCl solution) analogous to“physiological serum” and to the organic fluids such as blood, lymph,saliva or fluids laden with organic debris.

The diagrams marked B and C respectively give curves plotted under thesame conditions but in the presence of rinsing solutions based on sodiumhypochlorite at a concentration of 2.5% and 5% (10B, 11B, 13B-13′B: 2.5%NaClO) (10C, 12C-12′C, 13C-13′C: 5% NaClO).

The sodium hypochlorite-based ionic alkaline solutions B and C (2.5% and5% NaClO) are highly conductive. The study relates, in particular, tothe influence of these electrolytic solutions on the depth measurementresults, their coherence and the choice of the measurement frequenciesin order to verify whether the depth measurements correspond to theposition of the apex, the existing prior art apex-locating devices (AD)having the great disadvantage of being inoperative under such conditionsas the presence of highly conductive solutions, in particular thosebased on NaClO which is a disinfectant solution (Dakin's liquid,analogous to true Javel water, required during dental procedures).

FIGS. 10A, 11A, 12A, 12A-12′A and 13A-13′A (in the presence of a commonsaline solution of 0.9% NaCl) show the first results of amplitude curvesof the signals as a function of the depth P of the end of the probe orthe distance D with respect to the known position of the end of thecanal (depth P marked 100, distance D=0) for the three models α, β andγ. As indicated by FIGS. 10, 11, 12 and 13 it appears that the methodaccording to the invention makes it possible to obtain excellent resultsin determining the depth P of the apex by selecting two amplitude levelsIf and IF plotted at two particular frequencies, the first at lowfrequency, i.e. f=100 Hz, and the second at high frequency, i.e. F=0.5MHz. The two absolute amplitude levels RMS of the intensity I of thefrequency signals meet at a point, the position M of which correspondsvery precisely to the actual position X of the end of the root canal onthe first single-canal dental models (FIG. 10A-11B).

It will be noted in FIGS. 10A to 11B that the precision of the positionM of the apex determined according to the invention is measured with aminimum error, below −2% or −3%, which corresponds to a betterresolution compared to the margin of error ranging from −8% to +3% givenby the commercially available prior art device AD.

Furthermore, and in particular, the plotting of the point of coincidenceof the amplitude levels of the alternating signals plotted at the twofrequencies f=100 Hz and F=0.5 MHz indicates a measurement M of apexdepth which is located very slightly set back (M<100%) before reachingthe actual position X of the end of the root canal (negative error of−1% to −3%), while the measurement of position AD indicated by thecommercially available prior art device is located sometimes before(AD<<100%) and sometimes beyond (AD>100%) the actual position X of theend of the root canal, which means that the dental procedure can passthe position of the apex, something dentists and patients are absolutelyseeking to avoid.

In an advantageous manner in the method of detecting the point ofcoincidence according to the invention, the choice of a pair offrequencies (f, F) adapted to the presence of physiological liquid, suchas a first low frequency f in the no. 2 band around 10² Hz matched witha second high frequency F in the no. 6 band between 0.3·10⁶ Hz and 3·10⁶Hz, and more precisely in the octave 0.5 MHz-1 MHz or the higher octaveand preferably to a frequency value F of about half to one megahertzmakes it possible to obtain excellent apex depth determination results Mand especially to obtain a slightly minorated depth which makes itpossible to avoid passing the actual position X of the apex.

FIGS. 10B, 10C and 11B relate to amplitude level curves plotted inrelation to the tooth model with a single canal α in the presence of anionic alkaline solution based on 2.5%, 5% and 2.5% NaClO respectively.

The variation in the concentration level of the sodium hypochloritesolution between 2.5% and 5% does not seem to greatly modify the resultsobtained with the method of detecting the point of coincidence of thelevels according to the invention.

It appears that in the presence of sodium hypochlorite, in amplitudediagrams 10B, 10C and 11B, at the start of the introduction of the probeto shallow insertion depths (0<P<<100), the absolute amplitude levels(RMS) of the intensity I of the alternating signals are clearly higherthan the levels of the curves in FIGS. 10A and 11A in the presence of0.9% NaCl saline solution because the NaClO solutions are more highlyconductive.

For this reason it appears preferable to select another choice of a pairof low and high frequencies (f, F) to detect the position of the apexwith greatest precision in the presence of NaClO.

In the case where sodium hypochlorite solution is present, FIGS. 10B-10Cand 11B indicate that it is the intersection of the amplitude levels ofthe signals determined around the two frequencies, low f=100 Hz and highF=1 MHz or 2 MHz, which gives the best measurement results M for theposition of the apex X.

In view of the results of FIGS. 10B, 10C and 11B it appears that themethod for measuring the depth position of the apex according to theinvention, consisting of detecting the point of coincidence of the twolevels determined at low frequency f and high frequency F, in particularat about f=100 Hz and F=1 MH or 2 MHz, indicates a depth position Mclearly more precise than the depth measurement results AD determinedwith the previously available apex-locating device. In particular, thedepth position measurements M obtained according to the invention arenot augmented with respect to the actual position X of the apex(M<X=100%).

According to the results in FIGS. 10B-10C-11B, in the presence of highlyconductive ionic solutions, such as solutions based on 2.5% or 5% NaClO,the choice of a pair of frequencies (f, F) adapted to such solutions,such as a first low frequency f in the no. 2 band around 10² Hz matchedto a second high frequency F in the no. 6 band around 10⁶ Hz and moreprecisely in the octave [1 MHz-2 MHz] or a higher octave and preferablywith a frequency value F of about one or two megahertz, makes itpossible to obtain excellent results in determining the depth of theapex and especially to obtain a slightly minorated depth M which makesit possible to avoid passing the actual position X of the apex.

FIGS. 12C-12′C and 13B-13′B, 13C-13′C give amplitude level curves andthe depth position measurements M plotted in the presence of sodiumhypochlorite (marks B: 2.5% NaClO and C: 5% NaClO) for such a choice ofdefined frequencies on the tooth models β and γ having complex rootcanals, more specifically forked root canals or branched root canalswith aberrations.

Diagrams 12A and 12C correspond to the apex depth measurements on thefirst canal β1 of the dental model β of FIG. 8.

Diagrams 12′A and 12′C correspond to the depth measurements of the otherapex in the second canal β2 of the model β in FIG. 8.

Diagrams 13A, 13B and 13C correspond to the depth measurements of theapex in the first root canal γ1 of the last dental canal model γ shownin FIG. 9.

Diagrams 13′A, 13′B and 13′C correspond to the depth measurements of theother apex in the other root canal γ2 of the model γ of FIG. 9.

It appears that the prior art apex-locating device AD gives nomeasurement result (AD=0 or an “error of −100%”) on these complex rootcanal models having root bifurcations or aberrations. The prior artdevice AD gives no indication of the depth of the ends of the rootcanals on either of the branched root canals. The device does notprovide a usable result either in the presence of NaCl saline solution(FIG. 12A: β1, 0.9% NaCl, no indication of measurement; FIG. 12′A: β2,0.9% NaCl: overestimated depth indication to be avoided; FIG. 13A: γ1,0.9% NaCl: excessive depth indication; FIG. 13′A: γ2, 0.9% NaCl: noresult).

On these same complex models β and γ of branched root canals β1-β2 andγ1-γ2 the depth position measuring method according to the inventiongives precise, coherent measurements M of the depth position of the endof each of the two root canals β1-β2 or γ1-γ2 with a low relative errorand does not indicate any excessive measurement of augmented oroverestimated depth which would be beyond the actual position X of theend of the corresponding root canal.

In a particularly advantageous manner according to the invention, themethod for measuring the depth position of the apex, i.e. of the end ofthe root canal of a tooth, makes it possible to resolve the root canalsof complex teeth having bifurcations and/or aberrations. The methodaccording to the invention makes it possible to measure the depth M ofeach of the root canals with a good level of precision and avoidingaugmented measurement indications which would be beyond the apex X inthe ligament below the root of the tooth, which achieves the objectdesired by dentists for their patients.

The final aspect of the measurement programme consists of verifying theapplication of the method for measuring the depth of the apex on actualteeth.

FIGS. 14A, 14B and 14C show a series of measurement curves and resultsobtained on an actual tooth Δ with the choices of the pairs of definedfrequencies as indicated above and in the presence respectively ofirrigating solutions of 0.9% NaCl and 2.5 and 5% NaClO.

As shown in FIG. 14A, the apex depth measuring method according to theinvention gives equally good measurements M of the depth of the apicalconstriction of the tooth Δ in the presence of a sodium chloridesolution (0.9% NaCl) with excellent precision of within one percent.

And above all, in a particularly advantageous manner, in the presence ofa sodium hypochlorite-based conductive disinfectant solution (FIG. 14B:2.5% NaClO and FIG. 14C: 5% NaClO), while the prior art apex-locatingdevice AD gives no measurement indication (AD=0 “error—100%”), themethod according to the invention makes it possible to obtain excellentdepth position measurements of the apex of the actual tooth Δ with aprecision of within one percent (error less than 1% and estimated atless than 0.1% or 0.6%).

In a more general way it appears that the choice of frequency values (f,F) is crucial in ensuring that the point of coincidence M of the twoabsolute amplitude levels of the alternating signals measured at the twolower and higher frequencies f and F corresponds exactly to the actualposition X of the apex and in obtaining precise measurements M of thedepth position of the apex at the end of the root canal of a tooth.

FIGS. 15 to 18 show diagrams synthetically grouping the error ε_(err) ofthe apex depth measurements M as a function of the higher frequency Fused when applying the apex-locating method of the invention.

Each of the diagrams 15 to 18 shows the rate of error ε_(err) of eachapex depth measurement M according to the invention depending on theselected higher frequency value F produced by the frequency generatorGF, the lower frequency value f being fixed in this case at a lowfrequency value f=100 Hz.

The measurement error ε_(err) is the deviation between the measurement Mof the position of the coincidence point obtained in accordance with theinvention and the actual depth X of the end of the root canal measuredmetrically on dental models α, β, γ or on tooth specimens Δ.

The rate of error ε_(err) is expressed as a percentage with respect tothe exact length of each root canal of a dental model α, β, γ or of anactual tooth Δ, i.e. as a percentage of the actual depth of the apex.

FIG. 15 brings together the depth error values plotted in relation tothe depth measurements effected on the dental root canal model α of FIG.7, several measurement results of which have been shown in FIGS. 10A to11B.

FIG. 16 shows the error values of the depth measurements obtained on thedental canal model β of FIG. 8 (measurement results illustrated in FIGS.12A-12′A and 12C-12′C).

FIG. 17 shows the error values ε_(err) of the depth measurements Meffected on the dental canal model γ of FIG. 9 (cf. measurement resultsshown in FIGS. 13A to 13′C).

FIG. 18 indicates the error values ε_(err) plotted in relation to aseries of depth measurements M effected on six actual teeth (not shown)and the measurement results of which are shown in FIGS. 14A to 14C.

These depth measurements were carried out according to the inventionwith a lower frequency of value f=100 Hz and higher frequency values Fassuming selected defined values between 200 kHz and 5 MHz, inparticular at frequency values of 500 kHz, 1 MHz, 2 MHz etc, thusincluding the whole of conventional frequency band no. six which coversthe frequencies ranging from 300 kHz to 3 megahertz, extending ifappropriate into the two adjacent bands number five (30 kHz to 300 kHz,around 10⁵ Hz) and number seven (3 MHz to 30 MHz, around 10⁷ Hz),conventionally.

It appears that in such frequency bands it is possible to achieve lowmeasurement errors ε_(err) clearly lower than ten percent and even lessthan or of the order of one or a few percent. More precisely, themeasurement error ε_(err) decreases regularly as the higher frequencyvalue F increases, and passes from positive error values ε_(err)>0 forfrequencies F between 200 kHz and 500 kHz to negative error valuesε_(err)<0 for frequencies F of the order of 1 or 2 MHz to 5 MHz andmore.

Of course, an effort is made to minimise the measurement error ε_(err)and also, as stated previously, it is preferable for practitioners tohave a negative error measurement ε_(err)<0, i.e. to obtain slightlyminorated apex depth measurements M (i.e. P underestimated: M<X=100%)rather than risk having a positive error ε_(err)>0 and running the riskof passing the actual position of the apical terminus.

According to the diagrams in FIGS. 15 to 18 it appears that according tothe experimental embodiments of the invention as set out herein:

-   -   In the presence of a common aqueous saline solution: (0.9% NaCl)        the apex position X corresponds to the point M of coincidence or        intersection C of the first amplitude level of the alternating        signal determined at the lower frequency f (f=100 Hz) with the        second amplitude level of the signal measured at a higher        frequency F within the band of from 200 kHz to 2 megahertz or in        the conventional number six band (i.e. between 300 kHz and 3        MHz) and more particularly close to frequencies F of from 500        kHz to 1 MHz or in the adjacent frequency octaves (i.e. from 250        to 500 kHz, from 500 kHz to 1 MHz and/or from 1 MHz to 2 MHz).    -   In the presence of a sodium hypochlorite-based aqueous        disinfectant solution (Dakin's solute; 2.5% or 5% NaClO) the        position X of the apex corresponds to the point M of        intersection or coincidence C of the first signal amplitude        level determined at the lower frequency f (f ˜100 Hz) with a        second signal amplitude level obtained at a higher frequency F        in the conventional band number six or higher (from 300 kHz to 3        MHz and more), in particular in a frequency band F ranging from        500 kHz to 5 MHz and more precisely in the octave of the        frequencies between 1 megahertz and 2 megahertz or possibly in        one and/or the other of the adjacent frequency octaves (i.e.        from 0.5 MHz to 1 MHz and/or from 2 MHz to 4 MHz).

FIG. 18 shows that these results and the refinement of the range ofselected frequencies for the measurements are coherent and in concertwith a whole series of results of measurements carried out on actualteeth. It appears that the choice of the pair of frequencies (f, F)permitting detection of the point of coincidence C of the two amplitudelevels If and IF and measurement of the depth of the apex is effectedaccording to the nature of the irrigating solution:

-   -   in the presence of 0.9% NaCl, the higher frequency F is        preferably selected within the frequency range of 200 kHz to 5        MHz, in particular in the conventional number six band        (frequency from 300 kHz to 3 MHz) and more precisely in the        octave of frequencies around 0.5 MHz to 1 MHz or in one and/or        the other of the adjacent frequency octaves (from 0.25 MHz to        0.5 MHz and/or from 1 MHz to 2 MHz).    -   In the presence of sodium hypochlorite-based antiseptic solution        the depth of the apex corresponds to the point of coincidence or        intersection between the first level determined at the lower        frequency f around 100 Hz and a second level measured at a        higher frequency F chosen in a frequency band between 500 kHz        and 5 megahertz or in the conventional number six band and more        precisely around a frequency octave between 1 MHz and 2 MHz        and/or in one and/or the other of the adjacent frequency octaves        (from 0.5 MHz to 1 MHz and/or from 2 MHz to 4 MHz).

According to the invention it is thus possible to produce anapex-locating system having a frequency calibre control making itpossible to adjust the higher frequency value F to a calibrated valueamong a set of preselected frequency values, for example to a valueselected from a set of frequency values such as {0.5 MHz; 1 MHz; 2 MHz;5 MHz} or other sets of similar frequencies selected in the adjacentfrequency bands or octaves. A frequency calibre control such as this mayalternatively relate to the choice of the lower frequency value f. It isalso possible to provide two frequency calibre controls, one relating tothe choice of the lower frequency f, the other to the choice of thehigher frequency F. Such provisions make it possible to facilitate theprocedures of the practitioner who can actuate the calibrated controlwith reference only to the nature of the irrigating solution he/she isinjecting into the root canal.

The frequency selection commands to excite the circuit at the firstlower frequency and at the second higher frequency, the measurements ofthe absolute amplitude levels of the intensity of the electricalfrequency signals in the said circuit, and the detection of the point ofcoincidence are preferably effected automatically within the device by amicroprocessor or a microcontroller or more generally by a computingunit, programmed to this effect, so as to emit a signal (sound or light)in order to warn the practitioner when the first level measured at thefirst lower frequency is no longer higher than the second electricalmagnitude level of the alternating signal measured at the second higherfrequency.

In fact it appears, contrary to the teaching of the documents U.S. Pat.No. 5,080,586 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,096,419 (cf. FIGS. 3 and 4), that inthe pair of opposing frequencies (f, F) used according to the invention,the lower frequency f and the higher frequency F are selected so that inthe initial phase I at the start of insertion of the point of the probeat the start of the root canal CR or of the crown-like part of thetooth, the first amplitude level If=I1 determined at the lower frequencyf is higher, clearly higher, than the second amplitude level IF=I2determined at the second higher frequency F.

According to an alternative embodiment of the invention it is possibleto locate the apex by proceeding as follows:

-   -   while the first absolute amplitude level If of the intensity of        the alternating signal determined at the lower frequency f is        higher than the second level IF determined at the higher        frequency F, the end of the probe has not reached, nor passed,        the position of the apex X and the result of the detection test        is negative (no apex detection signal)    -   as soon as the first absolute amplitude level If, determined at        the lower frequency f, is not, or is no longer, higher than the        second level IF determined at the higher frequency F (i.e. the        second level IF→I4 is higher or substantially equal to the first        level If→I3), the detection test is positive and the detection        means of the device can trigger the emission of a signal to warn        the practitioner.

The lower and higher frequency values (f, F) indicated herein are datagiven solely by way of non-limiting embodiments, other frequency pairsbeing definable by experimentation, for example, by modifying the valueof the first lower frequency f, in particular in order to select otherlower frequency values in radio band no. 2 or 3 or in frequency bandslower than 100 Hz or band no. 2 and/or by selecting other higherfrequency values F, in particular, other higher frequencies F matchedwith such lower frequency values f.

The invention claimed is:
 1. Apex-locating device for determining thedepth position of the apical constriction in a dental root canal, thedevice comprising: a terminal for connection to a first conductiveendodontic probe electrode able to be inserted into the root canal orone of the root canals of a tooth, a second electrode shaped to bebrought into electrically conductive contact with an oral mucousmembrane, one or more frequency-generating means able to producealternating electrical signals at at least two frequencies, means formeasuring the electrical magnitude of the alternating signals in acircuit comprising the frequency-generating means, the first electrodeinserted into the root canal of the tooth and the second electrode incontact with the oral mucous membrane, frequency selection control meansfor exciting the circuit at a first lower frequency and at a secondhigher frequency so that the means for measuring the electricalmagnitude of the alternating signals in the circuit respectivelymeasures a first level and a second level of magnitude of thealternating electrical signals in the said circuit and means fordetecting a point of coincidence where the first level measured at thefirst lower frequency and the second level measured at the second higherfrequency meet and are substantially equal.
 2. Apex-locating device asclaimed in claim 1, characterised in that the lower frequency and thehigher frequency are selected so that in an initial phase, correspondingto the commencement of the insertion of the point of the electrode probeat the beginning of the root canal, the first level measured at thelower frequency is higher than the second level measured at the higherfrequency.
 3. Apex-locating device as claimed in claim 1, characterisedin that the lower frequency is lower than 950 hertz and the higherfrequency is higher than 95 kilohertz.
 4. Apex-locating device asclaimed in claim 1, characterised in that the lower frequency is lowerthan 300 hertz and the higher frequency is higher than 300 kilohertz. 5.Apex-locating device as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that thelower frequency is in a frequency band of ten hertz to 100 hertz and thehigher frequency is in a frequency band of 500 kilohertz to tenmegahertz.
 6. Apex-locating device for determining the depth position ofthe apical constriction in a dental root canal, the device comprising: afirst conductive endodontic probe electrode insertable into the rootcanal of a tooth; a second electrode shaped for bringing intoelectrically conductive contact with an oral mucous membrane a terminalthat connects to i) the first conductive endodontic probe electrodeinserted into the root canal of a tooth and ii) the second electrodebrought into electrically conductive contact with the oral mucousmembrane; a frequency-generator that produces alternating electricalsignals at at least two frequencies; a measuring assembly in contactwith the second electrode and that measures the electrical magnitude ofthe alternating signals in a circuit comprising the frequency-generator,the first electrode inserted into the root canal of the tooth and thesecond electrode in contact with the oral mucous membrane, wherein thefrequency-generator comprising a frequency selection control forexciting the circuit at a first lower frequency and at a second higherfrequency; the measuring assembly that respectively measures a firstlevel and a second level of magnitude of the alternating electricalsignals in the said circuit; and a detection unit that detects a pointof coincidence where the first level measured at the first lowerfrequency and the second level measured at the second higher frequencymeet and are substantially equal.
 7. Apex-locating device as claimed inclaim 1, wherein, the lower frequency and the higher frequency areselected so that in an initial phase, corresponding to the commencementof the insertion of the point of the electrode probe at the beginning ofthe root canal, the first level measured at the lower frequency ishigher than the second level measured at the higher frequency. 8.Apex-locating device as claimed in claim 6, wherein, the lower frequencyis lower than 950 hertz and the higher frequency is higher than 95kilohertz.
 9. Apex-locating device as claimed in claim 6, wherein, thelower frequency is lower than 300 hertz and the higher frequency ishigher than 300 kilohertz.
 10. Apex-locating device as claimed in claim6, wherein, the lower frequency is in a frequency band of ten hertz to100 hertz and the higher frequency is in a frequency band of 500kilohertz to ten megahertz.
 11. Apex-locating device as claimed in claim6, wherein the detection unit comprises a computing unit. 12.Apex-locating device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the means fordetecting comprises a computing unit.